“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
This column is in its fourth year. Those who have followed this page over the period may have begun to discern our mission-to influence society, principally Nigeria towards a transformation of its values and way of life-economic, political and social. Even though the “centre of gravity” of the column is economy and business, such transformation must be total-which means not just the body and mind, but also the spirit. That is why we write on economy, politics, society, sports, entertainment and religion. That is why around Easter and Christmas, we often have one or two articles focused on faith and religion. This year, that article may have tarried, but was sure to come!
I was never in any doubt what I was going to write about. For several weeks, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Mathew 7: 13-14 above (KJV) had continually rang in my mind, and I soon realised that perhaps I was required to share it with readers this season. Jesus in those verses paints two different scenarios-one, a broad way and wide gate leading to destruction; and the second, a narrow road and small gate that leads to life. The NIV translates those words as, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
There are several implications of these words. First when you see a large crowd of people and an undiscriminating assembly in which everyone is comfortable, it may be popular, fashionable, may appear credible, but as far as Jesus is concerned it is likely to lead to destruction. Clearly God’s standards are different from ours. Men seek safety in numbers; but with God “many are called, but few are chosen”. Like I once heard someone say, one test you can apply to discern God’s will concerning a matter is to check where the world is going and then turn in the opposite direction!
Another implication is that it is not difficult to locate the broad way. It is conspicuous and pervasive; you know several people on that way and the road is well advertised! Anyone you ask will tell you how to get there; and there are many signposts and entry points!!! You can enter the Third Mainland Bridge from Osborne Road in Ikoyi, Obalende, Simpson, CMS, Tafawa Balewa Square, Costain, Adekunle in Yaba, Oworonshoki, Anthony, Ogudu, Ojota and Toll Gate. You can’t miss it! Who in Lagos does not know Broad Street! But you have to FIND the narrow way! Naturally few are interested in such a narrow, inconspicuous way. It is not “the place to be” and is difficult to locate.
The narrow way may be located inside a private estate or could be a dusty, unmarked road in the wrong side of town. That is probably why it is despised and only a few find it. Jesus does not leave the conclusion of the two different journeys to us to imagine or deduce. He is categorical that the broad road and wide gate leads to destruction while the narrow road and small gate leads to life. And he makes it clear that there is a large multitude, the overwhelming majority proceeding happily on that road to hell, and only a few will find the narrow road that leads to life. A word should be enough for the wise!
One can argue that much of the Church today more closely resembles the wide way. The standards are not different from that of the world. The pursuits, interests and priorities as well as the “strategies” and “tactics” are the same and the objective is numbers, precisely as on the wide way rather than the undiluted gospel of Christ which as we know often antagonises. Indeed if you see a large meeting, going by the words of Jesus above, it is more likely a wide bridge that at best leads to no where or at worst an expressway to hell! Anywhere Christ, his disciples, Paul, Stephen or any of the examples of our faith preached, they made society especially the corrupt and wicked severely uncomfortable and that is why the Pharisees and the Council felt they had to kill them.
I believe it is not a coincidence that immediately after the words above, Jesus utters the following words, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits…” Is Jesus implying that in all probability there will be many false prophets on the wide road leading the people to their destruction? Are you sure you are not been led along the broad way? Let us carefully search for the narrow way, and by his grace, we will find it.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Church and Society
Why is it that the Church in Nigeria does not appear to be engaged in any significant manner with some of the most important challenges confronting our nation? Most Nigerians will agree that Nigeria has been held down by deep-seated corruption, in government and the private sector; the will of the majority is being subverted by an unrepresentative democracy; society is held captive by an unenlightened and rapacious elite; and the vast majority of people are victims of social injustice particularly poverty, oppression, insecurity and abusive use of power.
Every other national problem in my view can be traced to these fundamental causes. Corruption is at the root of our infrastructure deficiency, particularly power and transportation-appropriations get into private accounts rather than deliver power stations, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and rural infrastructure. Corruption is at the root of the violent struggle for power and election rigging that destroys our democracy-if public office were about service and sacrifice, we would struggle to find enough people interested in them to fill all the offices we have created in our constitution. Corruption means that police men and military men are so poor and angry that they take out their frustrations on innocent citizens and civilians.
Private sector corruption prevents the corporate sector from fulfilling its developmental role in our economy. CEOs quickly turn public companies and depositors’ funds into private fiefdoms or individual bank accounts, ensuring that those enterprises are soon destroyed by mismanagement, fraud and corporate governance scandals, while employees, poor investors and depositors who had staked their life savings are impoverished. Corruption denies the poor justice in our police stations and magistrates courts, and turns the ‘big man’ into an oppressor over the less fortunate. It is due to corruption that the politician once elected or selected into public office becomes unaccountable to the electorate and even erstwhile “godfathers”, as he quickly amasses enough loot to silence the majority and terrorise the dissenting minority.
So why have these and other social issues not been at the top of the agenda of the contemporary Nigerian Church? Jesus Christ himself spoke out especially on behalf of the poor or weak, those who mourn, the meek, the sick, all those who labour and are heavy laden, widows, the lame, blind etc and he railed against oppression. He declared that he did not come to save the righteous, but the sinners and asked them to allow little children come unto him. It is clear from the ministry of Christ that he was keenly interested in social justice. This is also the case when we examine the impact of the Church on western society.
The Protestant Reformation and the revolutionary teachings of John Wyclif, Martin Luther and John Calvin presaged the economic and industrial progress that Europe would later experience. The personal and social transformation which the beliefs and personal examples of the Puritans and Quakers brought to bear on Western society cannot be de-linked from the Christian value system and pattern of behaviour that was later to accelerate their economic development. As a particular example, Gary Hamel, a Professor of Strategy (and one of my favourites) notes that it was the beliefs of Frederick Winslow Taylor, a Quaker that led him to seek ways of improving workplace practices and led to his path breaking work in developing the principles of scientific management.
Indeed history suggests a connection between the so-called Protestant work ethic (with its principles of honesty, fair-dealing, hard work, trust and integrity) and the industrial revolution in Europe. As many employers of labour in Nigeria (frustrated by the poor ethics and values of employees) would recognise, it would have been impossible to have an industrial revolution without values which encouraged honesty, productivity, diligence, a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay etc-the value system embedded in the Protestant work ethic. So why is the Christian faith not having a similar impact on Nigerian and indeed African society? Why do we have so many Christian Churches of the Orthodox, African, Evangelical, white-garment and Pentecostal varieties and yet there is so much corruption in the land? How come the Churches don’t even talk about these things? Are we like the pre-reformation Catholic Church in Europe, “selling indulgences” to the corrupt and so unable to criticise them?
Jesus himself said in Mathew 5: 13-16 that the Church is supposed to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, and warned against the salt losing its savour or the light being put under a bushel. He specifically entreated the Church to “Let your light so shine before men…” and warned against a Church that loses it impact and becomes good for nothing, “except to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men”. Can we say today that the Church in Nigeria in spite of the large number of people attending Churches is having the kind of impact a pinch of salt has on a whole pot of soup? Are we like the Quakers and Puritans redefining moral and ethical standards or is the Church in fact complicit in them? Christianity is an agent of personal and societal transformation. That was the message Christ preached, and that was the example of the early Church. The Nigerian Church must rediscover this essence.
Every other national problem in my view can be traced to these fundamental causes. Corruption is at the root of our infrastructure deficiency, particularly power and transportation-appropriations get into private accounts rather than deliver power stations, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and rural infrastructure. Corruption is at the root of the violent struggle for power and election rigging that destroys our democracy-if public office were about service and sacrifice, we would struggle to find enough people interested in them to fill all the offices we have created in our constitution. Corruption means that police men and military men are so poor and angry that they take out their frustrations on innocent citizens and civilians.
Private sector corruption prevents the corporate sector from fulfilling its developmental role in our economy. CEOs quickly turn public companies and depositors’ funds into private fiefdoms or individual bank accounts, ensuring that those enterprises are soon destroyed by mismanagement, fraud and corporate governance scandals, while employees, poor investors and depositors who had staked their life savings are impoverished. Corruption denies the poor justice in our police stations and magistrates courts, and turns the ‘big man’ into an oppressor over the less fortunate. It is due to corruption that the politician once elected or selected into public office becomes unaccountable to the electorate and even erstwhile “godfathers”, as he quickly amasses enough loot to silence the majority and terrorise the dissenting minority.
So why have these and other social issues not been at the top of the agenda of the contemporary Nigerian Church? Jesus Christ himself spoke out especially on behalf of the poor or weak, those who mourn, the meek, the sick, all those who labour and are heavy laden, widows, the lame, blind etc and he railed against oppression. He declared that he did not come to save the righteous, but the sinners and asked them to allow little children come unto him. It is clear from the ministry of Christ that he was keenly interested in social justice. This is also the case when we examine the impact of the Church on western society.
The Protestant Reformation and the revolutionary teachings of John Wyclif, Martin Luther and John Calvin presaged the economic and industrial progress that Europe would later experience. The personal and social transformation which the beliefs and personal examples of the Puritans and Quakers brought to bear on Western society cannot be de-linked from the Christian value system and pattern of behaviour that was later to accelerate their economic development. As a particular example, Gary Hamel, a Professor of Strategy (and one of my favourites) notes that it was the beliefs of Frederick Winslow Taylor, a Quaker that led him to seek ways of improving workplace practices and led to his path breaking work in developing the principles of scientific management.
Indeed history suggests a connection between the so-called Protestant work ethic (with its principles of honesty, fair-dealing, hard work, trust and integrity) and the industrial revolution in Europe. As many employers of labour in Nigeria (frustrated by the poor ethics and values of employees) would recognise, it would have been impossible to have an industrial revolution without values which encouraged honesty, productivity, diligence, a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay etc-the value system embedded in the Protestant work ethic. So why is the Christian faith not having a similar impact on Nigerian and indeed African society? Why do we have so many Christian Churches of the Orthodox, African, Evangelical, white-garment and Pentecostal varieties and yet there is so much corruption in the land? How come the Churches don’t even talk about these things? Are we like the pre-reformation Catholic Church in Europe, “selling indulgences” to the corrupt and so unable to criticise them?
Jesus himself said in Mathew 5: 13-16 that the Church is supposed to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, and warned against the salt losing its savour or the light being put under a bushel. He specifically entreated the Church to “Let your light so shine before men…” and warned against a Church that loses it impact and becomes good for nothing, “except to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men”. Can we say today that the Church in Nigeria in spite of the large number of people attending Churches is having the kind of impact a pinch of salt has on a whole pot of soup? Are we like the Quakers and Puritans redefining moral and ethical standards or is the Church in fact complicit in them? Christianity is an agent of personal and societal transformation. That was the message Christ preached, and that was the example of the early Church. The Nigerian Church must rediscover this essence.
The Mind of Christ
It is usual for this column at this time of the year to reflect on issues of faith and spirituality. Society these days is defined by entertainment and consumerism, so the essence of seasons like Easter, Christmas, Valentines Day etc are forgotten and instead the celebrations are recast purely in terms of fun, entertainment, marketing, and sales. Having being so re-defined, the nature of the activities that dominate such seasons often become the exact anti-thesis of their original essence. So this column from its inception has always dedicated its pages around Easter and Christmas as well as at other times to the essence of such seasons.
Jesus was defined by his humility and lowliness, traits which contemporary society regards as negative. The slogan today is “if you’ve got it, flaunt it”. Jesus Christ was born in a manger. His father was a carpenter. He identified with the poor and lowly and in spite of the power and authority which he possessed, he remained humble and meek. Leaders today, whether in temporal offices with secular powers or even more surprisingly leaders in explicitly spiritual contexts (with the exception of a few) are unable to imitate this characteristic of Christ. Leaders prefer the vanity, pride and arrogance of power. They are to be served rather than to serve others, and they are to be exalted.
One of the most important attributes of Jesus was his compassion and love. In fact it can be argued that this was Christ’s most important trait. It was the reason he healed them; it was because of his compassion that he restored their eyesight, lifted up the lame, raised the dead, and ultimately it was because of his love and compassion for man that he went to the cross and gave up his life in order that we may have a hope of salvation. Love and compassion are scarce commodities in society today, regrettably even in the Church. It is the absence of compassion for fellow citizens that makes a public officer to embezzle funds meant for provision of education and health facilities, and generally feeds the corruption that is destroying our society. It is the lack of love that make people kill their fellow men in a orgy of violence and destruction after elections are held. It is the absence of compassion for their fellow men that leads to wars, poverty, hatred and prejudice, terrorism and other evils that afflict the world today.
Yet in spite of his humility and compassion, Christ was not weak and sycophantic. He was bold and courageous, and had inner strength and conviction. He told the powerful religious people of his time-the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the Sanhedrin, the rich and powerful people, the truth. He chased the commercial people out of the temple and repeatedly condemned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. And he had the courage to endure beatings and scourging and eventually death at the cross, when he could have simply denied the accusations of the leaders of the Jews in search of self-preservation.
Jesus had a deep intellect and wisdom. When I reflect on some of the sayings and parables of Christ, I marvel at the depth of philosophy, knowledge and wisdom embedded in his mind. When Satan tempted him, he responded with knowledge and wisdom. The poetry and blessings in his beatitudes did not proceed from a shallow and ordinary mind. He thoroughly studied the writings of the prophets contained in the Old Testament such that at critical moments he quoted from the scriptures. At the age of twelve, he was found in the Temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening and asking questions, and amazing them with his understanding. And the Bible records that he increased in wisdom and stature and favour with God and men. Today knowledge is despised, and materialism is exalted. We celebrate the fact that people do not like to read or study, and so give them music and pictures. And when we seek wisdom today, we do not seek the type founded in the word of God and the mind and manner of Christ, but we exalt a type of worldly wisdom founded on manipulation, sycophancy and self-interest.
Christ was not interested in the kingdoms of the world, which Satan offered him. He preferred instead the eternal kingdom which was assured to him in heaven. He did not seek human power and material riches. The reverse is often the case today, as people say, “na heaven I go chop” and instead sell their souls to the devil. That is the only reason people embrace evil just to acquire wealth and power. That is why we have deadly armed robbers who kill for a few thousand Naira, and why political aspirants can hire killers to eliminate their opponents. He was always focused on the end which was his love for man, and his determination to do the will of his father.
Christ was sacrificial, always giving of himself. He gave of his time and virtue. He gave of his kingdom and ultimately he gave his life. He was not always taking of others as is common today. His attitude was not exploitative and covetous. He washed the feet of his disciples. He stayed awake praying even when they could not travail with him. He never feasted on the weaknesses of the people, but always sought to build them up. Even though they called him master, he never acted as one. He was a servant-leader.
Jesus was defined by his humility and lowliness, traits which contemporary society regards as negative. The slogan today is “if you’ve got it, flaunt it”. Jesus Christ was born in a manger. His father was a carpenter. He identified with the poor and lowly and in spite of the power and authority which he possessed, he remained humble and meek. Leaders today, whether in temporal offices with secular powers or even more surprisingly leaders in explicitly spiritual contexts (with the exception of a few) are unable to imitate this characteristic of Christ. Leaders prefer the vanity, pride and arrogance of power. They are to be served rather than to serve others, and they are to be exalted.
One of the most important attributes of Jesus was his compassion and love. In fact it can be argued that this was Christ’s most important trait. It was the reason he healed them; it was because of his compassion that he restored their eyesight, lifted up the lame, raised the dead, and ultimately it was because of his love and compassion for man that he went to the cross and gave up his life in order that we may have a hope of salvation. Love and compassion are scarce commodities in society today, regrettably even in the Church. It is the absence of compassion for fellow citizens that makes a public officer to embezzle funds meant for provision of education and health facilities, and generally feeds the corruption that is destroying our society. It is the lack of love that make people kill their fellow men in a orgy of violence and destruction after elections are held. It is the absence of compassion for their fellow men that leads to wars, poverty, hatred and prejudice, terrorism and other evils that afflict the world today.
Yet in spite of his humility and compassion, Christ was not weak and sycophantic. He was bold and courageous, and had inner strength and conviction. He told the powerful religious people of his time-the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the Sanhedrin, the rich and powerful people, the truth. He chased the commercial people out of the temple and repeatedly condemned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. And he had the courage to endure beatings and scourging and eventually death at the cross, when he could have simply denied the accusations of the leaders of the Jews in search of self-preservation.
Jesus had a deep intellect and wisdom. When I reflect on some of the sayings and parables of Christ, I marvel at the depth of philosophy, knowledge and wisdom embedded in his mind. When Satan tempted him, he responded with knowledge and wisdom. The poetry and blessings in his beatitudes did not proceed from a shallow and ordinary mind. He thoroughly studied the writings of the prophets contained in the Old Testament such that at critical moments he quoted from the scriptures. At the age of twelve, he was found in the Temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening and asking questions, and amazing them with his understanding. And the Bible records that he increased in wisdom and stature and favour with God and men. Today knowledge is despised, and materialism is exalted. We celebrate the fact that people do not like to read or study, and so give them music and pictures. And when we seek wisdom today, we do not seek the type founded in the word of God and the mind and manner of Christ, but we exalt a type of worldly wisdom founded on manipulation, sycophancy and self-interest.
Christ was not interested in the kingdoms of the world, which Satan offered him. He preferred instead the eternal kingdom which was assured to him in heaven. He did not seek human power and material riches. The reverse is often the case today, as people say, “na heaven I go chop” and instead sell their souls to the devil. That is the only reason people embrace evil just to acquire wealth and power. That is why we have deadly armed robbers who kill for a few thousand Naira, and why political aspirants can hire killers to eliminate their opponents. He was always focused on the end which was his love for man, and his determination to do the will of his father.
Christ was sacrificial, always giving of himself. He gave of his time and virtue. He gave of his kingdom and ultimately he gave his life. He was not always taking of others as is common today. His attitude was not exploitative and covetous. He washed the feet of his disciples. He stayed awake praying even when they could not travail with him. He never feasted on the weaknesses of the people, but always sought to build them up. Even though they called him master, he never acted as one. He was a servant-leader.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The World in 2009
The Main Report
Have you read dire projections about global politics and economics in 2009? It so happens that by virtue of my work, I write and present a few myself! Recession in the US, Europe and Japan with the possibility that it may be a sustained recession, the continued global financial crisis that has humbled venerable global banks and made even Citibank run to the US government for rescue, the upsurge in global terrorism with the Mumbai (and Jos) killings reminding us that no one or no place is immune, declining oil prices (and the implications of lower revenue for Nigeria’s federal and state governments), the likelihood of higher interest and exchange rates in Nigeria…everything suggests that 2009 may be a tough year for businesses.
Well…or the other Report?
Well it depends on which report you want. It so happens that I have another report that I’ve also written, but I don’t present that one to the managements and boards in the corporate world. If I did, they would cancel our firm’s engagement and dismiss us as quacks. I mean how will a board comprised of experienced bankers, economists, engineers, professionals, accountants and business magnates receive such a report. I mean these are educated people, who have trained minds and who have risen to the top of their professions and companies by using their brains and learning from the opinions of the best experts.
Lacking in Empirical Validity?
You see the problem is that this other report has no empirical basis. It is not founded on a study of the global economy. It does not project the price of oil, agricultural products, gold, diamonds or any other global commodities. It does not project the inflation or exchange rate. Unlike the report which I regularly give my clients, this other report is not based on an analysis of global economic trends and has not factored in the views of the IMF, World Bank, Brookings Institution, OPEC or the analysts from the major global investment banks. This report neither requires you to use your brain, nor depends on any expert analysis. All it requires is FAITH!
Only for those who Believe
I concede it is an unusual report, so I first ask the few I give this other report to whether they believe it, before I take it out of my suitcase and hand over a copy to them. Most of them of course immediately ask me to leave their office. “How can you ask me to believe something before I examine it?” they ask. So I leave that document in my briefcase and give them the report they will pay me for-the empirical one that predicts doom and gloom. The other one has only one reference and source of authority-the Bible. It is not the best basis to persuade business persons so I understand their reservations. Or isn’t it?
That report asserts that the earth is the Lords, and all it contains, the world and they that dwell in it. Its only reference for that claim is Psalm 24: 1. It says that wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endures forever, relying on Psalm 112:3 and takes the view that 2009 is covered by the word “forever”. That strange report also relies on Isaiah 45: 3 which says, “I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name” and notes that this promise is made by the Almighty God who is the eternal God and argues that 2009, lower oil prices, inflation, Naira depreciation, financial crisis, whatever are not outside of God’s power. It relies on the promise in Philippians 4: 19 that “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” and confidently claims that promise for myself, my household and the true Church of God. All those who believe!
So which Report for you?
As 2008 winds to a close and 2009 approaches, I have those two reports in my briefcase. People are paying me for the empirical report, but the peculiar report is free and timeless and universal. But it is only for those who believe. Which report do you want?
Opeyemi Agbaje
Have you read dire projections about global politics and economics in 2009? It so happens that by virtue of my work, I write and present a few myself! Recession in the US, Europe and Japan with the possibility that it may be a sustained recession, the continued global financial crisis that has humbled venerable global banks and made even Citibank run to the US government for rescue, the upsurge in global terrorism with the Mumbai (and Jos) killings reminding us that no one or no place is immune, declining oil prices (and the implications of lower revenue for Nigeria’s federal and state governments), the likelihood of higher interest and exchange rates in Nigeria…everything suggests that 2009 may be a tough year for businesses.
Well…or the other Report?
Well it depends on which report you want. It so happens that I have another report that I’ve also written, but I don’t present that one to the managements and boards in the corporate world. If I did, they would cancel our firm’s engagement and dismiss us as quacks. I mean how will a board comprised of experienced bankers, economists, engineers, professionals, accountants and business magnates receive such a report. I mean these are educated people, who have trained minds and who have risen to the top of their professions and companies by using their brains and learning from the opinions of the best experts.
Lacking in Empirical Validity?
You see the problem is that this other report has no empirical basis. It is not founded on a study of the global economy. It does not project the price of oil, agricultural products, gold, diamonds or any other global commodities. It does not project the inflation or exchange rate. Unlike the report which I regularly give my clients, this other report is not based on an analysis of global economic trends and has not factored in the views of the IMF, World Bank, Brookings Institution, OPEC or the analysts from the major global investment banks. This report neither requires you to use your brain, nor depends on any expert analysis. All it requires is FAITH!
Only for those who Believe
I concede it is an unusual report, so I first ask the few I give this other report to whether they believe it, before I take it out of my suitcase and hand over a copy to them. Most of them of course immediately ask me to leave their office. “How can you ask me to believe something before I examine it?” they ask. So I leave that document in my briefcase and give them the report they will pay me for-the empirical one that predicts doom and gloom. The other one has only one reference and source of authority-the Bible. It is not the best basis to persuade business persons so I understand their reservations. Or isn’t it?
That report asserts that the earth is the Lords, and all it contains, the world and they that dwell in it. Its only reference for that claim is Psalm 24: 1. It says that wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endures forever, relying on Psalm 112:3 and takes the view that 2009 is covered by the word “forever”. That strange report also relies on Isaiah 45: 3 which says, “I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name” and notes that this promise is made by the Almighty God who is the eternal God and argues that 2009, lower oil prices, inflation, Naira depreciation, financial crisis, whatever are not outside of God’s power. It relies on the promise in Philippians 4: 19 that “my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” and confidently claims that promise for myself, my household and the true Church of God. All those who believe!
So which Report for you?
As 2008 winds to a close and 2009 approaches, I have those two reports in my briefcase. People are paying me for the empirical report, but the peculiar report is free and timeless and universal. But it is only for those who believe. Which report do you want?
Opeyemi Agbaje
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Infiltration of the Church Part 2
Last Christmas, I wrote Part 1 of this article in which I reviewed church history and postulated a tentative hypothesis-that the enemies of the church appeared to have changed their erstwhile strategy of persecution but are now fighting from inside, in effect suggesting that the devil and his agents may have infiltrated the church. Some days ago, some friends and I were gathered discussing sundry matters, and the discussion turned to matters of faith.
Many of those gathered had horror stories to tell. These people were having serious challenges in their walk with God, amazingly coming not from outside the church, but from within. Kayode had the first horror experience to share. Apparently he was a member of a respectable Pentecostal church-he had been for over 10 years. He had never gotten involved in inner workings of the church however, as in popular parlance, he had not become a ‘worker’. He considered himself a child of God, but he had been susceptible to the occasional sin, so he didn’t quite consider himself a candidate. As Kayode advanced in age and career however he recognised a need to get closer to God. He attended Bible School and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but he still chose not to join the church workforce. On the other hand, his growing profile meant he could no longer be anonymous in church, or any other context for that matter.
Kayode usually worshipped in the branch of the church closest to wherever he lived, and went about his business quietly. After moving to the island, he moved to a proximate branch as usual. In this new church his wife became a worker. Surprisingly, within weeks she was made a head of department, above more qualified, longstanding members. Kayode had his reservations as he wondered in what way she had earned the promotion. He felt the appointment was somehow linked to him. But he felt it was inappropriate to stop her from serving God in any capacity so he kept quiet. A few weeks afterwards, the local pastor approached Kayode with a loan request to buy a property in a choice part of Lagos Island. Kayode obliged. Weeks later, Kayode had cause to mention his plans for a change of career to his local pastor.
The pastor who at that point in time was also in career transition requested to see Kayode’s business plan! Kayode did not feel obliged to share such proprietary business information with someone in a similar career line, so he diplomatically denied the request thinking that was the end of the matter, but was he mistaken? A few weeks later, the local pastor declared to a workers retreat that the calling of the Lord was upon Kayode and appointed him a Minister. Kayode had not become a worker and was not present at the retreat! The stage was set for blackmail-if Kayode declined he would be accused of shirking the call of God; if he accepted he would come under the direct spiritual authority of an individual he now had cause to be wary of! Kayode hoped for the best and decided to honour the ministerial appointment. Well he wasn’t so lucky. Not more than a few days afterwards, the gentleman who proclaimed the call of God on his life began spreading malicious gossip about Kayode. He was careful to keep the gossip ‘below the radar’ so Kayode had no opportunity to respond.
Moji a teacher shared another horror tale. Her colleague, had been considering returning to her profession which she had not had the opportunity of practicing since graduation. Moji’s friend was not so sure she could cope with some of the things she heard happened in the industry. She then met an apparently fervent minister who ran a firm in that profession. Surely this was God answering her prayer? She arranged to spend her next vacation in the minister’s firm to test her interest in her original profession. The practices in the minister’s firm were worse than all she had heard about. And the minister personally gave her instructions to carry out those activities (knowing her previous reservations about such) without any compunction.
Olu also shared his story. Olu’s pastor and his wife ran the church like a closely-held corporation, with the pastor as CEO, the wife as Chief Operating Officer, and their children as members of the Board of Directors. A few carefully selected cronies were permitted into the Board. Apparently a “third world war” had started when the church leaders transferred a new minister to preside over the territory. The “CEO” thoroughly isolated the poor fellow, tormenting him spiritually, physically, socially and otherwise, and boasted that he would show the hapless newcomer who owned the church! Soon petitions began to fly. Members of the congregation watched in confusion as the warfare began to manifest publicly.
These are real life experiences. Reflecting on these stories, I was reminded of my hypothesis about the infiltration of the church. Surely these are not the doings of people who know anything about Christ? My worry is how many people are being driven from the faith daily by these ministers from hell. My co-discussants were already settled in their relationship with God-no one could drive them away, but how about younger Christians and unbelievers? How do we explain to them that these people do not represent the reality of the Christian faith?
Many of those gathered had horror stories to tell. These people were having serious challenges in their walk with God, amazingly coming not from outside the church, but from within. Kayode had the first horror experience to share. Apparently he was a member of a respectable Pentecostal church-he had been for over 10 years. He had never gotten involved in inner workings of the church however, as in popular parlance, he had not become a ‘worker’. He considered himself a child of God, but he had been susceptible to the occasional sin, so he didn’t quite consider himself a candidate. As Kayode advanced in age and career however he recognised a need to get closer to God. He attended Bible School and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but he still chose not to join the church workforce. On the other hand, his growing profile meant he could no longer be anonymous in church, or any other context for that matter.
Kayode usually worshipped in the branch of the church closest to wherever he lived, and went about his business quietly. After moving to the island, he moved to a proximate branch as usual. In this new church his wife became a worker. Surprisingly, within weeks she was made a head of department, above more qualified, longstanding members. Kayode had his reservations as he wondered in what way she had earned the promotion. He felt the appointment was somehow linked to him. But he felt it was inappropriate to stop her from serving God in any capacity so he kept quiet. A few weeks afterwards, the local pastor approached Kayode with a loan request to buy a property in a choice part of Lagos Island. Kayode obliged. Weeks later, Kayode had cause to mention his plans for a change of career to his local pastor.
The pastor who at that point in time was also in career transition requested to see Kayode’s business plan! Kayode did not feel obliged to share such proprietary business information with someone in a similar career line, so he diplomatically denied the request thinking that was the end of the matter, but was he mistaken? A few weeks later, the local pastor declared to a workers retreat that the calling of the Lord was upon Kayode and appointed him a Minister. Kayode had not become a worker and was not present at the retreat! The stage was set for blackmail-if Kayode declined he would be accused of shirking the call of God; if he accepted he would come under the direct spiritual authority of an individual he now had cause to be wary of! Kayode hoped for the best and decided to honour the ministerial appointment. Well he wasn’t so lucky. Not more than a few days afterwards, the gentleman who proclaimed the call of God on his life began spreading malicious gossip about Kayode. He was careful to keep the gossip ‘below the radar’ so Kayode had no opportunity to respond.
Moji a teacher shared another horror tale. Her colleague, had been considering returning to her profession which she had not had the opportunity of practicing since graduation. Moji’s friend was not so sure she could cope with some of the things she heard happened in the industry. She then met an apparently fervent minister who ran a firm in that profession. Surely this was God answering her prayer? She arranged to spend her next vacation in the minister’s firm to test her interest in her original profession. The practices in the minister’s firm were worse than all she had heard about. And the minister personally gave her instructions to carry out those activities (knowing her previous reservations about such) without any compunction.
Olu also shared his story. Olu’s pastor and his wife ran the church like a closely-held corporation, with the pastor as CEO, the wife as Chief Operating Officer, and their children as members of the Board of Directors. A few carefully selected cronies were permitted into the Board. Apparently a “third world war” had started when the church leaders transferred a new minister to preside over the territory. The “CEO” thoroughly isolated the poor fellow, tormenting him spiritually, physically, socially and otherwise, and boasted that he would show the hapless newcomer who owned the church! Soon petitions began to fly. Members of the congregation watched in confusion as the warfare began to manifest publicly.
These are real life experiences. Reflecting on these stories, I was reminded of my hypothesis about the infiltration of the church. Surely these are not the doings of people who know anything about Christ? My worry is how many people are being driven from the faith daily by these ministers from hell. My co-discussants were already settled in their relationship with God-no one could drive them away, but how about younger Christians and unbelievers? How do we explain to them that these people do not represent the reality of the Christian faith?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Righteousness; Peace; Joy
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14: 17 (KJV)
Many of us are familiar with the words of this verse, not from scriptures, but from the popular song-“righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost; righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; That’s the kingdom of God; Don’t you wanna be a part of the kingdom? Don’t you wanna be a part of the kingdom? Don’t you wanna be a part of the kingdom? Come on, Come on everybody!” Excellent song by Ron Kenoly. An all time favourite for me, and I know for many of us. Many of our best gospel songs are lifted direct from the words of the Bible. One of the worship songs I really love is taken straight out of Isaiah 25:1-“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” Powerful words with which Prophet Isaiah praised his God and exalted his faithfulness, and a most soul moving worship song.
But then I digress. This article is about Romans 14:17 and righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! I always like to start from the King James Version which in its “ancient” language (oh another heavenly song-“Ancient of Days; As old as you are, As old as you are; You will never change; Ancient of Days; As old as you are, As old as you are; You will never change) gives me a sense of the antiquity and unchanging nature of God. He was, he is, and he will forever be! Psalm 90: 2 says of him, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting , thou art God.” That is why Daniel called him the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9, 13 and 22).
As we see above, the verse in the KJV simply says “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Now let’s turn to other translations for better insight and understanding, starting with the New King James Version which says, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The words in the New American Standard are exactly as in NKJV and the New International Version is quite similar as well. So let’s turn to the Amplified Bible-“(After all) the kingdom of God is not a matter of (getting the) food and drink (one likes), but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and (heart) peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
I have once written of the brilliance and completeness discernible from the Bible and this verse is another example. In that single verse, God tells us first what his kingdom is NOT, before telling us what it actually IS. Teachers know only too well that human beings learn better through comparison. That is why our teachers in primary school spent so much time on words and opposites! This verse tells us the kingdom of God is not just about satisfying our desires, needs, wants, pleasures, emotions, even when these are legitimate. It is not just about praying to God for all we want-more money, good health, good food, wealth, more power, victory over our enemies etc It is more than that.
He says his kingdom is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! The Amplified version already gave us an implicit definition of “righteousness”-living in a manner acceptable to God. The Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines righteousness as “holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard” and says “God’s character is the definition and source of all righteousness” and adds that “In the context of relationships, righteous action is action that promotes the peace and well-being of human beings in their relationships with one another.” In the New Testament context, “The cross of Jesus is a public demonstration of God’s righteousness. God accounts or transfers the righteousness of Christ to those who trust in him” Thus righteousness is loving God and our fellow men, accepting Christ and living in a manner consistent with, and acceptable to God.
In Macarthur’s study of this verse, he characterises the “Kingdom of God” not just in terms of the hereafter, but in terms of our hearts. When we are saved, our hearts become an integral part of the kingdom of God-“…for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…” (Romans 10:10). That is where we will decide which kingdom we belong to. If your heart is not in the kingdom, then you are not in the kingdom. He likens “eating and drinking” to a metaphor for all “external observances” or religious behaviour while the real job of salvation is in the heart of man. The “peace” the verse talks about is “the loving tranquillity produced by the Spirit that should characterise believers’ relationships with God and with each other” and “joy in the Holy Spirit” refers to an “abiding attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances, which flows from one’s confidence in God’s sovereignty.”
These are what the kingdom of God is about-righteousness, peace and joy, not as in the world, but in the Holy Spirit. But of course, there is good news-when we focus on these things that God demands, then all the meat and drink, and more that we want will be ours. For he says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. (Mathew 6:33) So when next you sing that beautiful song, “righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost….” remember it’s not just a nice song, but the kingdom of God!
Opeyemi Agbaje
Many of us are familiar with the words of this verse, not from scriptures, but from the popular song-“righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost; righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; That’s the kingdom of God; Don’t you wanna be a part of the kingdom? Don’t you wanna be a part of the kingdom? Don’t you wanna be a part of the kingdom? Come on, Come on everybody!” Excellent song by Ron Kenoly. An all time favourite for me, and I know for many of us. Many of our best gospel songs are lifted direct from the words of the Bible. One of the worship songs I really love is taken straight out of Isaiah 25:1-“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” Powerful words with which Prophet Isaiah praised his God and exalted his faithfulness, and a most soul moving worship song.
But then I digress. This article is about Romans 14:17 and righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! I always like to start from the King James Version which in its “ancient” language (oh another heavenly song-“Ancient of Days; As old as you are, As old as you are; You will never change; Ancient of Days; As old as you are, As old as you are; You will never change) gives me a sense of the antiquity and unchanging nature of God. He was, he is, and he will forever be! Psalm 90: 2 says of him, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting , thou art God.” That is why Daniel called him the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9, 13 and 22).
As we see above, the verse in the KJV simply says “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Now let’s turn to other translations for better insight and understanding, starting with the New King James Version which says, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The words in the New American Standard are exactly as in NKJV and the New International Version is quite similar as well. So let’s turn to the Amplified Bible-“(After all) the kingdom of God is not a matter of (getting the) food and drink (one likes), but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and (heart) peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
I have once written of the brilliance and completeness discernible from the Bible and this verse is another example. In that single verse, God tells us first what his kingdom is NOT, before telling us what it actually IS. Teachers know only too well that human beings learn better through comparison. That is why our teachers in primary school spent so much time on words and opposites! This verse tells us the kingdom of God is not just about satisfying our desires, needs, wants, pleasures, emotions, even when these are legitimate. It is not just about praying to God for all we want-more money, good health, good food, wealth, more power, victory over our enemies etc It is more than that.
He says his kingdom is about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! The Amplified version already gave us an implicit definition of “righteousness”-living in a manner acceptable to God. The Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines righteousness as “holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard” and says “God’s character is the definition and source of all righteousness” and adds that “In the context of relationships, righteous action is action that promotes the peace and well-being of human beings in their relationships with one another.” In the New Testament context, “The cross of Jesus is a public demonstration of God’s righteousness. God accounts or transfers the righteousness of Christ to those who trust in him” Thus righteousness is loving God and our fellow men, accepting Christ and living in a manner consistent with, and acceptable to God.
In Macarthur’s study of this verse, he characterises the “Kingdom of God” not just in terms of the hereafter, but in terms of our hearts. When we are saved, our hearts become an integral part of the kingdom of God-“…for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…” (Romans 10:10). That is where we will decide which kingdom we belong to. If your heart is not in the kingdom, then you are not in the kingdom. He likens “eating and drinking” to a metaphor for all “external observances” or religious behaviour while the real job of salvation is in the heart of man. The “peace” the verse talks about is “the loving tranquillity produced by the Spirit that should characterise believers’ relationships with God and with each other” and “joy in the Holy Spirit” refers to an “abiding attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of circumstances, which flows from one’s confidence in God’s sovereignty.”
These are what the kingdom of God is about-righteousness, peace and joy, not as in the world, but in the Holy Spirit. But of course, there is good news-when we focus on these things that God demands, then all the meat and drink, and more that we want will be ours. For he says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. (Mathew 6:33) So when next you sing that beautiful song, “righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost….” remember it’s not just a nice song, but the kingdom of God!
Opeyemi Agbaje
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Be not Conformed to this World
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of god.” (Romans 12: 2)KJV.
I have always been fascinated by the Bible, and this scripture is an excellent example of why. In this verse, the Bible starts by telling us what we should not do; then contrasts that by stating what we should do, and how; and finally closes by explaining why. I have always being intrigued by the extent of completeness and integration that is evident in the Bible. Some people think that it is difficult for intelligent people to believe the Bible. I have come to disagree completely with that notion. The Bible displays such perfection that a truly intelligent mind will recognise that it could only have been written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God.
BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD
The New International Version says of this first part of the verse, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…” There is a worldly pattern-the standards and customs of the world. The words “any longer” recognise that we have been part of that pattern, but says we should no longer conform to that standard. The Dictionary meaning of “conform” is “to behave and think in the same way as most other people in a group or society. One thing I understand from this is that when you get born again, you should no longer conform to the customs and patterns of the world. The implication of this is that when either as individual Christians or as a church, we find ourselves in agreement with the behaviour of the world, something is going wrong! The more similar you are to the world, the more likely it is that you are headed where the world is headed. And that is hell.
What are some of the patterns and standards of the world that we must not be conformed too? Its easy to agree on the “big” sins, isn’t it-murder, stealing, adultery, fornication, idolatry, homosexuality etc (even though many Christians even conform to the world in those respects), but it gets more difficult at the margins-that bribe, that deal that everyone in the office does, that exam in which everyone cheats, that election in which you stuff just a few ballot boxes, that kickback you paid that government official for that contract (I mean its our culture to show gratitude!), those few bottles of alcohol, that unequal yoke of friends and associates you keep, that small lie or untrue statement, that gossip or backbiting. Whenever we act exactly like the world, we endanger our salvation as individuals and the church loses its ability to influence the world.
BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND
In the Amplified Version, the words are, “…but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude)…” A Christian must not just refuse to behave and think in the same way as the world, but he must be transformed into something else. That is why Christ talks about been born again-becoming a new being, all old things which were previously conformed to the world would pass away, and that Christian becomes a new person. The dictionary defines “transform” as “to completely change the appearance or character so that it is better”. Both the appearance and character are supposed to change. It is of course easier to change the appearance, but the character is more important. As the accountants say, “substance over form”!
The key to that transformation is the renewing of the mind-new ideals, new attitudes, new values, new priorities, new standards, new goals etc all founded not on the ways of the world but on a heavenly standard. And that is easier said than done! It comes with consistent study and meditation and the help and leading of the Holy Spirit. A true renewal of the Christian mind should bring him into some level of conflict with the world, because it is like two computers with different operating systems, different configurations, different standards, different languages, and the standards are irreconcilable-the two cannot communicate seamlessly. Whenever you communicate seamlessly with the world, be very careful. We are supposed to be on different wavelengths aren’t we?-one leads to heaven and the other leads to hell!
PROVE THE GOOD ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD
The New King James Version reads, “…that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This means according to MacArthur, “Holy living of which God approves” and is language borrowed from Old Testament description of sacrificial animals that were required to be morally and spiritually spotless. Having dispensed with animal sacrifices and replaced them with the eternal blood of Jesus, God expects us to be “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) unto him as we carry Christ within us and become his ambassadors to the world.
Opeyemi Agbaje
I have always been fascinated by the Bible, and this scripture is an excellent example of why. In this verse, the Bible starts by telling us what we should not do; then contrasts that by stating what we should do, and how; and finally closes by explaining why. I have always being intrigued by the extent of completeness and integration that is evident in the Bible. Some people think that it is difficult for intelligent people to believe the Bible. I have come to disagree completely with that notion. The Bible displays such perfection that a truly intelligent mind will recognise that it could only have been written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God.
BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD
The New International Version says of this first part of the verse, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…” There is a worldly pattern-the standards and customs of the world. The words “any longer” recognise that we have been part of that pattern, but says we should no longer conform to that standard. The Dictionary meaning of “conform” is “to behave and think in the same way as most other people in a group or society. One thing I understand from this is that when you get born again, you should no longer conform to the customs and patterns of the world. The implication of this is that when either as individual Christians or as a church, we find ourselves in agreement with the behaviour of the world, something is going wrong! The more similar you are to the world, the more likely it is that you are headed where the world is headed. And that is hell.
What are some of the patterns and standards of the world that we must not be conformed too? Its easy to agree on the “big” sins, isn’t it-murder, stealing, adultery, fornication, idolatry, homosexuality etc (even though many Christians even conform to the world in those respects), but it gets more difficult at the margins-that bribe, that deal that everyone in the office does, that exam in which everyone cheats, that election in which you stuff just a few ballot boxes, that kickback you paid that government official for that contract (I mean its our culture to show gratitude!), those few bottles of alcohol, that unequal yoke of friends and associates you keep, that small lie or untrue statement, that gossip or backbiting. Whenever we act exactly like the world, we endanger our salvation as individuals and the church loses its ability to influence the world.
BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND
In the Amplified Version, the words are, “…but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude)…” A Christian must not just refuse to behave and think in the same way as the world, but he must be transformed into something else. That is why Christ talks about been born again-becoming a new being, all old things which were previously conformed to the world would pass away, and that Christian becomes a new person. The dictionary defines “transform” as “to completely change the appearance or character so that it is better”. Both the appearance and character are supposed to change. It is of course easier to change the appearance, but the character is more important. As the accountants say, “substance over form”!
The key to that transformation is the renewing of the mind-new ideals, new attitudes, new values, new priorities, new standards, new goals etc all founded not on the ways of the world but on a heavenly standard. And that is easier said than done! It comes with consistent study and meditation and the help and leading of the Holy Spirit. A true renewal of the Christian mind should bring him into some level of conflict with the world, because it is like two computers with different operating systems, different configurations, different standards, different languages, and the standards are irreconcilable-the two cannot communicate seamlessly. Whenever you communicate seamlessly with the world, be very careful. We are supposed to be on different wavelengths aren’t we?-one leads to heaven and the other leads to hell!
PROVE THE GOOD ACCEPTABLE AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD
The New King James Version reads, “…that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This means according to MacArthur, “Holy living of which God approves” and is language borrowed from Old Testament description of sacrificial animals that were required to be morally and spiritually spotless. Having dispensed with animal sacrifices and replaced them with the eternal blood of Jesus, God expects us to be “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) unto him as we carry Christ within us and become his ambassadors to the world.
Opeyemi Agbaje
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
